The Youth Society for the Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Social Vices (YOSPIS) has urged governments, private sector actors, and development partners to increase investment in youth-led initiatives, warning that Nigeria risks missing development targets without their inclusion.
In a statement marking the 2025 International Youth Day, themed “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond”, YOSPIS described young people as “present changemakers” whose work is already transforming communities across the country.
“This day is a powerful reminder of the invaluable role young people play in driving sustainable development, fostering peace, and shaping inclusive futures—both within their communities and on the global stage,” the statement signed by YOSPIS Executive Director, Zainab Nasir Ahmad, read.
Ahmad said Nigerian youth have, over the years, initiated and led projects ranging from community health campaigns and environmental clean-ups to digital literacy programs and civic engagement drives.
She noted that in Kano alone, youth groups have been tackling drug abuse, improving menstrual hygiene awareness, and boosting voter participation among first-time voters.
“However, despite these remarkable contributions, progress is hindered by structural barriers, unemployment, underfunded educational systems, and limited access to financial and technical resources,” she added.
YOSPIS called on the Federal Government to create dedicated budget lines for youth development across all ministries and urged the Kano State Government to enact the 2025 Youth and Sports Law with a dedicated Youth Development Trust Fund. It also appealed to the private sector to expand corporate social responsibility programmes targeting youth empowerment, while encouraging development partners to channel more funding to grassroots youth initiatives.
“The SDGs are not abstract targets; they are about access to clean water, decent jobs, quality education, and safe communities,” Ahmad said. “These are issues we confront daily at the grassroots level. Supporting us means accelerating progress for everyone.”
She said that with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals deadline approaching, amplifying youth-led solutions is crucial to avoiding missed targets, which would disproportionately affect young people.
